High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! "Anytime You Need a Friend" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, for her third studio album, Music Box (1993). It was released on May 31, 1994 through Columbia Records, as the fourth and final single from the album. The song draws influence from pop, R B and gospel music genres. While the album focused heavily on pop oriented and radio friendly material, "Anytime You Need a Friend" deviated from the formula, finishing as the only gospel-infused song on Music Box. Lyrically, the song`s protagonist tells her love interest that anytime he may need a friend, she will be there unconditionally for him. Throughout the song`s bridge and climax, critics noted the lyrics altering from those of a friend, to those of a lover.